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The Dickens Inn #4
Tranquil Light
When a group of friends reunites at the Dickensian Inn bed-and- breakfast, little does Chas realize that the promises of a blessing are about to be fulfilled. As these women share their tender feelings and innermost secrets, the words of Charles Dickens take on greater significance for them, The pleasure of a generous friendship is the steadiest joy in the world. But even as these heartwarming events unfold, a secret from Jackson's past threatens to sabotage the happy life he and Chas have created together. Will Jackson's doubts and guilt jeopardize the plans he and Chas have made to be sealed as a family for all eternity? Is their love strong enough to overcome the painful shadows of the past? Beloved, bestselling LDS author Anita Stansfield delivers a startlingly soul-searching and richly romantic story that resonates with emotional truths and captures the essence of the meaning of redemption. Tranquil Light is a triumph.
263 pages, Paperback
First published August 28, 2010
2 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Anita Stansfield
133 books468 followersAnita Stansfield, the LDS market's #1 best-selling romance novelist, is an imaginative and prolific writer whose romantic stories have captivated her readers.
"With sales approaching a half million, Anita Stansfield has clearly found a niche in this market," said Nicole Martin, Publicist for Covenant Communications. "Her popularity stems from her ability to empathize with and write about the issues that LDS women deal with on a daily basis."
"I always write for women like me. It's through my interaction with other women that I've found there are some personal and emotional struggles that are typical," said Anita Stansfield. "I hope my writing makes women feel better about themselves and shows them these real problems can be solved through gospel principles."
"With sales approaching a half million, Anita Stansfield has clearly found a niche in this market," said Nicole Martin, Publicist for Covenant Communications. "Her popularity stems from her ability to empathize with and write about the issues that LDS women deal with on a daily basis."
"I always write for women like me. It's through my interaction with other women that I've found there are some personal and emotional struggles that are typical," said Anita Stansfield. "I hope my writing makes women feel better about themselves and shows them these real problems can be solved through gospel principles."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 9, 2010
I've decided the Jackson Leeds character is the one that makes me want to keep reading. I skimmed and skipped over the other storylines in the book.
I just couldn't handle reading again and again how Chas decided to turn off the light, or carry both baby monitors in case one of the kids fussed, or what made her decide to take a nap or just get up for the day, etc. Way too slow and way too much detail. If she and Jackson turned to each other, kissed, and expressed their love one more time, I really thought I was going to throw the book across the room. And: it seemed Chas's character was made up of moments of crying, then getting on her knees and praying. That's fine for a person to do, but I really didn't want to read of her doing it 20+ times. Hi, I'm from the department of redundancy department...
A good result of this read: I'm left analyzing what other authors do to reel me in, even when going over the small details of a character's day. What did Stansfield do wrong? When I can accurately answer that, I'll be more authorized to critique her writing. Right now, I'm just a complainer and not able to be constructive at all. There's something she did right with the Leeds character, though.
I found her attempt to get 6 women together for a week-long slumber party where they shared all the dirt from their lives---not my thing. I don't know if Stansfield was trying to touch on the fact that we all have our struggles, or what, but to throw things out like 'having a gay son and wanting to commit suicide,' or 'my husband is deeply involved in pornography and has been having affairs all through our 15 + years of marriage, even our engagement,' etc., and only spend a chapter or so on the topic; it just doesn't do the matter justice and makes me feel like I'm muck-raking or reading grocery-store tabloids, etc.
If an author is going to broach such a sensitive topic, it needs to be the main emphasis of the book. Jackson Leeds' struggles with his past, etc. provided ample food for thought and I don't think all the other lady dramas added to the book. They really annoyed me, in fact.
Maybe this book's objective was to prove how hard marriage is, how delicate it is, how much work it takes to make a temple marriage last (in both partner's roles), etc. It's too bad I found myself skimming most of it and pretty exasperated and mad. I think I've finally concluded I'm done with Stansfield. I've found a few other LDS fiction authors that are taking her place, though, thank goodness. Whew. I'm all worked up and annoyed just writing about her. I hope I'm thoroughly cured (like I am with Weyland.)
I just couldn't handle reading again and again how Chas decided to turn off the light, or carry both baby monitors in case one of the kids fussed, or what made her decide to take a nap or just get up for the day, etc. Way too slow and way too much detail. If she and Jackson turned to each other, kissed, and expressed their love one more time, I really thought I was going to throw the book across the room. And: it seemed Chas's character was made up of moments of crying, then getting on her knees and praying. That's fine for a person to do, but I really didn't want to read of her doing it 20+ times. Hi, I'm from the department of redundancy department...
A good result of this read: I'm left analyzing what other authors do to reel me in, even when going over the small details of a character's day. What did Stansfield do wrong? When I can accurately answer that, I'll be more authorized to critique her writing. Right now, I'm just a complainer and not able to be constructive at all. There's something she did right with the Leeds character, though.
I found her attempt to get 6 women together for a week-long slumber party where they shared all the dirt from their lives---not my thing. I don't know if Stansfield was trying to touch on the fact that we all have our struggles, or what, but to throw things out like 'having a gay son and wanting to commit suicide,' or 'my husband is deeply involved in pornography and has been having affairs all through our 15 + years of marriage, even our engagement,' etc., and only spend a chapter or so on the topic; it just doesn't do the matter justice and makes me feel like I'm muck-raking or reading grocery-store tabloids, etc.
If an author is going to broach such a sensitive topic, it needs to be the main emphasis of the book. Jackson Leeds' struggles with his past, etc. provided ample food for thought and I don't think all the other lady dramas added to the book. They really annoyed me, in fact.
Maybe this book's objective was to prove how hard marriage is, how delicate it is, how much work it takes to make a temple marriage last (in both partner's roles), etc. It's too bad I found myself skimming most of it and pretty exasperated and mad. I think I've finally concluded I'm done with Stansfield. I've found a few other LDS fiction authors that are taking her place, though, thank goodness. Whew. I'm all worked up and annoyed just writing about her. I hope I'm thoroughly cured (like I am with Weyland.)
August 19, 2010
I kept finding myself skimming and saying to myself, "blah, blah, blah"...I think I'm done with Anita Stansfield for awhile. Too much drama and trauma and not enough plot. I only picked up this series because of the reference to Dickens whom I love, and I liked the first of the series, but they have gotten steadily worse with each book, and this last one I hope puts the series out of its misery.
July 25, 2016
I really ended up pretty sick of Jackson and his whining throughout this book. "I'm not good enough for you..." yadda, yadda, yadda. I was frustrated with him about halfway through the book. (actually a lot sooner than that).
Dude! You had a past, before you found the gospel. You repented and got baptized. If you believe in the gospel, the principle of repentance and baptism and the power of the Atonement, anything you've done in the past is no longer an issue. Shut up and move on.
Dude! You had a past, before you found the gospel. You repented and got baptized. If you believe in the gospel, the principle of repentance and baptism and the power of the Atonement, anything you've done in the past is no longer an issue. Shut up and move on.
March 9, 2020
I think I read books 1-3 of this series several years ago (I know I read one and two not confidant about three) but I had never gotten to 4. Stansfield just tries to do too much here. It is good that she concentrates mainly on Chas and Jackson, but I feel like she could even have addressed that much more fully if she had not also tried to tell the story of Marianne, Rachelle and Kristie not to mention brief forays into the stories of Luci and Mia. It ended up sometimes seeming more like a codependency primer than a novel. Not that all these stories weren't compelling, but they deserved more attention than half a page, and they were more of a distraction than a help to the main story. Otherwise I liked the characters and the testimony of the book.
July 16, 2018
Too soft for me.
October 1, 2021
I lost interest half way through. I got sick and picked it up again. Was able to finish it because I had nothing better to do. I didn't hate it but I don't think I would read it again.
August 30, 2010
I usually like sequel books, but I guess I'm a little bored with the Leeds' family and their constant saga of problems related to Jackson's past and how it is constantly putting a strain on his present relationship as a husband and father.
He gets info that a past girlfriend that he loved but broke it off with badly died from cancer. He feels regret for not ever apologizing to Serena for his bad behavior in the relationship and acting juvenial without responsibilty.
He goes to the funeral and then deals with all sorts of regret and remorse for his past actions in regards to his knowledge now of right and wrong in relation to drinking and promiscuity. He feels he cheated Chas out of a better person and struggles with keeping the goal to go to the temple because he feels unworthy.
Church leaders, his therapist and wife help him to understand that he is still striving toward being better but Satan tries to put thoughts of depression and guilty into the equation to keep him from the temple and eternal family.
Chas stays in the end and helps Jodi with a friend reunion for 6 of her childhood friends. They all come with trials in their lives that they help each other see for what they are and find ways to cope as they give their support and love.
He gets info that a past girlfriend that he loved but broke it off with badly died from cancer. He feels regret for not ever apologizing to Serena for his bad behavior in the relationship and acting juvenial without responsibilty.
He goes to the funeral and then deals with all sorts of regret and remorse for his past actions in regards to his knowledge now of right and wrong in relation to drinking and promiscuity. He feels he cheated Chas out of a better person and struggles with keeping the goal to go to the temple because he feels unworthy.
Church leaders, his therapist and wife help him to understand that he is still striving toward being better but Satan tries to put thoughts of depression and guilty into the equation to keep him from the temple and eternal family.
Chas stays in the end and helps Jodi with a friend reunion for 6 of her childhood friends. They all come with trials in their lives that they help each other see for what they are and find ways to cope as they give their support and love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2010
I read these for Jackson. Basically, somewhere in there I am attracted to the fact that he is/was an FBI agent (so very manly!) and still has this other side that is very spiritual.
I really am getting tired of his emotional turmoil though. Which Stansfield DRUG out in this book. I felt like she was trying to be so delicate that you could never really figure out what it was Jackson was so distraught over. Enough! However, I did like what his turmoil stemmed from in this particular book. His past comes back to nip him when what turns out to be the next best thing to an ex-wife dies of cancer. Jackson has a hard time making his former life of brazen iniquity (just kidding, but he really takes it to heart like that is really the problem) mesh with his devotion to his current wife and reformed way of life.
The other story lines briefly touch upon some pretty serious challenges such as having a gay child, infidelity, abuse, and suicide. I appreciate that she is willing to broach these topics but the information didn't get very deep.
I really am getting tired of his emotional turmoil though. Which Stansfield DRUG out in this book. I felt like she was trying to be so delicate that you could never really figure out what it was Jackson was so distraught over. Enough! However, I did like what his turmoil stemmed from in this particular book. His past comes back to nip him when what turns out to be the next best thing to an ex-wife dies of cancer. Jackson has a hard time making his former life of brazen iniquity (just kidding, but he really takes it to heart like that is really the problem) mesh with his devotion to his current wife and reformed way of life.
The other story lines briefly touch upon some pretty serious challenges such as having a gay child, infidelity, abuse, and suicide. I appreciate that she is willing to broach these topics but the information didn't get very deep.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2010
I think this book was a little unrealistic for most people. Like really who could afford to spend an enitre week with friends, (not only monetary, but family)? And does anyone really get along that well with that many people for that many days? I also don't think that the temptations and trials were portrayed well before a temple sealing after already married. It really is harder than portrayed, speaking from experience...and it's hard regardless of whether or not you have had the knowledge of the gospel all of your life. I also thought it was interesting that Stansfield only talked about one of them getting a temple recommend to be sealed. You both have to go in to get a recommend to do a live ordinance, even if you already have a regular recommend. However, I did enjoy the storyline and it was a quick read.
January 12, 2011
I did not like this book hardly at all. I enjoy Anita Stansfield books, and I had enjoyed this series, but sometimes I think she needs to end a series rather than continue on with it. The first 3 books were really good, but this 4th one stunk in my opinion. I was so frustrated with Jackson through most of the book. He was nothing but a complete idiot. I felt like the storyline was totally pointless, and Jackson ended up saying that he had been really stupid and I couldn't help but agree. So I would recommend the first 3 books in the Dickensian Inn series, but definitely not this one.
September 9, 2010
This book could have been written in about 5 pages.
**SPOILER**
The main character's husband, Jackson Leeds, goes into a funk when his long ago lover passes away and the angst goes on and on. In fact, Jackson is a very selfish person in this book and I had no sympathy for him at all. Chas and Jackson are just weeks away from being sealed in the Temple. Jackson realizes in the end that Satan has been working on him to prevent them from going to the Temple (that part I can relate to).
**SPOILER**
The main character's husband, Jackson Leeds, goes into a funk when his long ago lover passes away and the angst goes on and on. In fact, Jackson is a very selfish person in this book and I had no sympathy for him at all. Chas and Jackson are just weeks away from being sealed in the Temple. Jackson realizes in the end that Satan has been working on him to prevent them from going to the Temple (that part I can relate to).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2012
This book wasn't my favorite book of the Dickens Inn series. Some of the story was repeated over and over throughout the book and it was kind of slow for me. It was still a good book, but the way Jackson would never talk to Chas about anything was kind of annoying. Just talk and get it all out! It really does make you feel better when you have a problem with something. I'm looking forward to reading the last book of the series to see what it's all about.
September 16, 2010
Anita Stansfield is such a good author. I really enjoy her books! I usually finish them in a couple of days. The storyline and drama pull me in.
I loved this book of friendship, love, forgiveness, and healing. It helped me realize that I need to be more forgiving and loving in my own life. A great read!
I loved this book of friendship, love, forgiveness, and healing. It helped me realize that I need to be more forgiving and loving in my own life. A great read!
November 24, 2010
To tell the truth, I'm kind of getting tired of this series. Which is really strange, since I normally love to return to familiar characters over and over again. When I returned this book to my mom she told me that a new book just came out for this series...which I'll probably read, but if it's the last one, I won't be too sad.
November 26, 2010
I'm sorry, but I'm getting a little tired of Jackson's emotional problems. Some big issue always comes up in every book, and he has to go into hiding and leave his wife. I don't know how she puts up with him! I must say I really do wish the Dickensian Inn really did exist, because it sounds like a great place to visit!
January 21, 2011
There are 2 story lines going on in this book. I found the storyline of the group of women staying at the inn to be interesting and each of their stories intriguing. The story line of Jackson wallowing in his own mire of self-pity was just painful. Everybody knew he would eventually come to terms, so it just made the book long waiting for him to discover what everybody else already knew.
January 31, 2011
I would love being invited to a girlfriend's retreat for a week! I'd love to chat, eat good food, and just plain relax--wouldn't it be wonderful to have a massage. I have to say that I'm just really tired of Jackson's past causing a rift between him and Chas, and even making me depressed. I love Anita Stansfield's happy endings though. It's the one good reason to keep reading.
November 23, 2015
I have read the other books in this series and enjoyed them for the most part. This one not so much, the whole Jackson going off to the funeral was depressing and felt so sorry for Chas. Why did he marry her while he had unresolved issues with another woman? Too many little details, I don't really have to know if their is ink in the printer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2011
I like the story, but I felt it dragged somewhat. Books in this series are somewhat formulistic. This book could have easily served as a conclusion to the series, but there is yet another one to read.
August 29, 2015
I liked this more when I read it a few years ago. This time I scanned and skimmed a lot of it. I love Anita Stansfield, but I usually hate series with more than 2 books(unless they switch main characters, like Work and the Glory), so it's no surprise this bored me.
August 15, 2010
Not as happy with this story as I was the last one #3. I hope #5 is better.
September 8, 2010
This was a good book, but not my favorite by Anita Stansfield. I think having read all of her books, they have just become very predictable.
October 26, 2010
This was probably for me the most annoying book of this series. I was good, but seriously so whinny! Jackson Leeds needs to man up!!
October 22, 2010
This book kept my interest but probley only cause I read the others books in the series and so I knew that characters very well and wanted to know what happened.
September 11, 2013
Honestly this series has been my least favorite of Anita Stansfield. I hated the leading man and each book really dragged. Goodbye Jackson and I really hope you don't pop up in any future books.
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November 5, 2010good
November 22, 2010
Interesting gathering of women in this one...
November 23, 2010
A nice ending to the series. I love the idea of the Inn and the harbor it is for others. The same "this is what we did today" writing--easy to read, but doesn't make you think a lot.
November 19, 2010
Again another fine book written by an author I love!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews